Todd NesnickWhen there is a plumbing issue, most homeowners are stuck: Do they pay for a licensed plumber or cut the cost and hire an unlicensed plumber? Saving a few dollars in this manner might be tempting, but hiring a licensed plumber is strongly advised for a number of reasons. In this article, we will be able to learn the benefits of a licensed plumber and why it is the best option for any homeowner.
What is a Licensed Plumber?
A licensed plumber is one who has acquired the needed education, training, and licensing to be qualified to practice plumbing. This generally requires completion of an apprenticeship program, passing exams, and gaining pertinent certifications. A licensed plumber has met the regulatory programs offered by the local government to ascertain that they can effectively and safely handle plumbing issues.
But an unlicensed plumber might not have received proper training and might not be professionally skilled to do the job as required. While cheaper, hiring the services of an unlicensed plumber can lead to highest risk and problems in the future.
1. Expertise and Quality
One of the best advantages of having a plumber who is licensed work on your pipes is his experience and expertise. A licensed plumber has spent a small fortune’s amount of time in school and has the acumen to repair a very broad scope of plumbing issues. If it’s a leaky pipe, installing a shower unit, or fixing a boiler, a licensed plumber can do it once and do it correctly.
Unlicensed plumbers may not be as experienced or qualified, however. They may attempt to fix problems without actually understanding the extent of the problem, which can lead to shoddy work, continued problems, or even more expensive repairs in the future.
2. Adherence to Regulations
Plumbing is regulated by various local building codes and laws that seek to give plumbing work efficacy and safety. A certified plumber knows all such laws and regulations and applies each and every one of them. This gives any work done as per local laws and safety measures.
Employing an unlicensed plumber could lead to sub-code work. Worst case would be fines or penalties if the work were inspected and deemed non-compliant. When plumbing is not up to code, it can even make it impossible to collect on an insurance claim or sell your house in the future.
3. Insurance and Protection
Professional plumbers are typically insured, and this protects you as a homeowner in the event that something goes wrong during the work. In the event of an error by a professional plumber or damage to your property, repairs or damage is paid for by their insurance.
On the other hand, unlicensed plumbers are not insured. If they screw up or create something that damages your system, you’re the one who pays for the repair. This will be equivalent to more sneaky costs, and the initial cost savings of hiring an unlicensed plumber will be minimal compared to the overall expense.
4. Long-Term Savings
Although illegal plumber will pay you less rate first, you will be paying less money to hire licensed plumber in the long run. Licensed plumbers are least likely to have to make follow-up calls and hence pay you more dollars in total. Illegal plumbers, however, will end up charging you more in the long run with problems of repeated fixes.
In addition, professional licensed plumbers can provide you with professional guidance on how to keep your plumbing system in top condition so that you can avoid future expensive repairs. They are able to identify problems early before they escalate into serious issues, and you save money on expensive plumbing disasters.
5. Guarantees and Warranties
One benefit of employing a licensed plumber is the guarantee of peace of mind through the issuance of guarantees and warranties for work. A majority of licensed plumbers provide a warranty for work, such that if anything fails after work has been done, they will visit to correct the issue for free.
Unregistered plumbers do not normally provide any warranty or guarantee. If you have an issue, you will never be able to get it fixed, and you will have to pay for repairs yourself.
6. Trust and Reputation
A licensed plumber will be more well-known and better regarded in the area because they exceeded expectations to obtain the proper training and maintain good professional reputation. You can check a licensed plumber’s credentials, rating, and work history to ensure that they possess the skills and knowledge needed to handle your specific plumbing problem.
Unlicensed plumbers, on the other hand, may be exempted from the same requirements. They may not have established themselves as professionals in the field or have customer reviews to back their work. This is a lack of confidence and can make it unsafe to hire an unlicensed plumber.
7. Emergency Services
For a plumbing emergency, professional plumbers are normally on call 24/7 to respond to your needs promptly. They have the capability to address emergency conditions, like broken pipes or clogged drains, and can attend to them in a matter of minutes to save your property from further damage.
Unlicensed plumbers will not be as handy or reliable, particularly in a crisis. If they cannot come immediately or are absent, you will experience much inconvenience or destruction.
Although hiring an unlicensed plumber can be less expensive upfront, the hazards and disadvantages that can bring are much greater than any cost savings. A certified plumber offers quality workmanship, code acceptance, insurance coverage, cost savings in the long run, and warranties that offer peace of mind. It’s having it done by the certified expert so your plumbing systems are in good hands and you’re saved from future repair headache and cost. For plumbing, it is always advisable to pay for the money for a certified Maidstone plumber and spare yourself from the woes of unlicensed work.